Lori Hisle

I have never been an athlete and I was a mom who did not set a good example of eating my fruits and vegetables. Most of my life I’ve been overweight doing a lot of yo-yo dieting–trying all the fad diets with limited or short term results.

When you celebrate your 50th birthday, among the gifts you receive are a battery of tests, including a bone density scan. The results were not good; high cholesterol which required medication and a diagnosis of osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis. I showed bone deterioration in my hip, neck and back with a fracture risk rating of moderate. I was 10-25% below normal for actual bone density.

I spoke to Sheryl and discussed the outcome of my tests and she invited me to the Fit Pit while also providing some nutritional guidance. I took the food advice to heart, but decided to keep walking rather than go to the gym.

Facing my 52nd birthday, I finally let Sheryl talk me into coming to the Fit Pit. For a couple years she had shared such wonderful stories of what this workout style had done for some of the people in the gym and I wondered if it could help me. She was NEVER pushy, she simply presented the facts and said I was always welcome.

When my husband and I arrived in August 2009, the atmosphere was friendly! Granted, more than a little intimidating at first for us old folks as we could see some people were SO FIT, but we could also see we were not the only ones going slower. But regardless of their athleticism, everyone was friendly and supportive. Another nice surprise was though the exercises were humbling, they were very do-able.

Today, I can do ‘real’ push ups, squats and sit ups! I can dead lift more than my body weight! I’ve learned that working out at least three times a week and making better choices in nutrition really isn’t THAT HARD! In January 2010, I had a follow-up bone density scan; I was nervous, wondering how much more bone deterioration had occurred in the past six months. My test results were amazing. I no longer had osteopenia, my fracture risk rating was reduced to “low” and my bone density had increased considerably in my hip, neck and back! Oh, and my height had increased 1/2 inch!!  In addition, my doctor had me go through a complete stress test, including a sonogram of my heart. I was given an excellent rating for my heart health. Oh, and my cholesterol went down as well!

Sheryl said this would happen and while I believed her, I never imagined only 4 months at the Fit Pit would bring such huge changes! Honestly, I am very proud of these test results and know they would not have been near as good had I not started at the Fit Pit. It’s almost my year anniversary at the Fit Pit and I look forward to even better test results in the years to come!

J. Morris

Coach, Got my blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu last night. This was a long journey for me. The training at the FitPit has been a great asset in helping to reach that goal. Thanks again.

Courtney

I went back to Atlanta this past weekend to visit some family and decided to go on a run in my old neighborhood. I used to dread running there because the hills are very steep and would take so much out of me. Though I haven’t been running lately, I have never felt better than I did this weekend – even went twice as far as normal and probably at a faster pace. It was a great feeling to have such a clear indicator that my fitness has improved since joining the gym.

Michael Fisher

I had a personal best at the Jackson County Triathlon last weekend. I took 1 minute 49 seconds off of my previous best time. I definitely feel adding work at the Fit Pit was a major contributor. I am stronger and more flexible which improves the run, bike and swim. Core workouts is a contributor. Thanks Dean and Sheryl!

Beth

I just want to thank you so much for making me feel so welcome at the Fit Pit. I have fallen in love with it quickly. The Coaches are amazing and wonderful inspiration to me. Being at the Fit Pit is the best part of my week. I love that you encourage and push me. Thank you for all you are doing!

Andrea

From my first workout, I was hooked. The workouts are intense and difficult, but the words of encouragement from the fellow athletes and coaches make all the difference. I am continually impressed by the support and comraderie among the group. Each time, I leave feeling physically stronger and more mentally in tune with the power I have in my own body. After only one month, I can do more push-ups, pull-ups and use more weight in the other exercises than I thought would ever be possible. The bottom line, the people are amazing, the gym is clean, and the results speak for themselves when I look in the mirror.